Paul Cotter netted two goals, bringing his season total to four in as many games, as the New Jersey Devils secured a 5-3 victory over the Washington Capitals on Saturday night.
Capitals’ star Alex Ovechkin was held without a shot for only the 23rd time in his illustrious career, though he did contribute an assist and delivered six hits. Ovechkin began his 20th NHL season 42 goals shy of breaking Wayne Gretzky’s all-time record of 894 goals.
Seamus Casey, Tomas Tatar, and Dawson Mercer also found the back of the net for New Jersey. Erik Haula and Stefan Noesen each recorded three assists, while goaltender Jacob Markstrom made 29 saves.
The Devils (3-1-0) had to hold off a Capitals (0-1-0) surge in the third period after Tom Wilson scored 95 seconds into the period. Washington threatened to tie the game with a power play midway through the period, but Mercer’s empty-net goal with eight seconds remaining sealed the win for New Jersey.
John Carlson and Dylan Strome each tallied a goal and an assist for the Capitals.
Capitals defenseman Matt Roy exited the game with a lower-body injury and did not return.
Takeaways
Devils: The offseason optimism surrounding the Devils appears justified, with Cotter in top form and the offense generating numerous scoring chances.
Capitals: Despite a sold-out crowd and over 70 alumni present to celebrate the team’s 50th anniversary, Washington couldn’t find the tying goal late in the game.
Key Moment
Capitals goalie Charlie Lindgren lost his stick during a scramble, leading to Cotter’s second goal off a 2-on-1 Devils rush, giving New Jersey a 4-2 advantage going into the second intermission.
Key Stat
For three of New Jersey’s goals, Washington’s third-line forwards (Sonny Milano, Hendrix Lapierre, and Aliaksei Protas) were on the ice.
Up Next
The Capitals continue their three-game homestand on Tuesday against the Vegas Golden Knights, while the Devils return home for a Monday matinee against Utah.
